Life – Page 16 – Godinterest

November 12, 2020November 12, 2020

Keep Adding Clean Water

Do you want to be changed? Meditate on God’s Word and His marvellous deeds and it will change you! It will begin to drive out old, negative thoughts and fill you with His strength and power. How does that happen? Imagine that you are holding a glass of dirty water in your hand. It’s full of all kinds of dirty particles. If you were to pour fresh, clean running water into that glass continually, and just let it overflow over and over, eventually all the dirty water would be gone. All you would have left is the pure, clean water. And, you wouldn’t have to really do anything to get rid of the dirty water, except allow the new, clean water to flow.

Today your mind is cleansed and renewed in the same way. By getting into the habit of pouring continuously the right thoughts–thoughts of faith, thoughts of victory, thoughts of praise–then before long, your mind is going to be transformed and renewed. You’re going to find yourself positive, hopeful, strong and courageous. You’ll see God’s hand of blessing and increase, and you will live the abundant, victorious life He has in store for you!

“Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; meditate on and talk of all His marvellous deeds, and devoutly praise them.” (Psalm 105:2, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I humbly submit my whole mind to You. Father, I choose to meditate on You and Your promises, so that You can cleanse and renew my mind. I commit to getting rid of my sinful dirty mind, by daily pouring in clean thoughts of faith, victory, praise, kindness and love. God, thank You for working in me, in Christ’ name! Amen.

November 11, 2020November 11, 2020

Healed

Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, finds joy in seeing His diseased sheep progress toward healing.

Four of my friends and I had the privilege of seeing “Healed” an awesome play by Mark Grey, a Christian director. In reflection this sprang to mind, relationships are so important in the eyes of God. As His children, He desires that we live in unity and stay connected with one another. When we are transparent and pray for each other, something supernatural takes place. We open the door for God to pour out His abundant blessing and healing in our lives.

Remember, when we walk in love, forgiveness and unity, our prayers become more effective, and His power is released through us.

Living in peace and unity doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone around you all the time. It means you look for honest common ground. It means you reach out to others in truth despite how you feel; you pray for them and help meet their needs.

Today, one way to be healed is to put the needs of others first, God will make sure our own needs are abundantly supplied. When we live with a servant’s heart toward others, it opens the door for God’s complete healing–physically, spiritually and emotionally. Give and it will come back to you!

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (James 5:16, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for revealing the truth to my heart so I can be healed. Father, I desire and beg for total healing in my relationships and in my personal life – mentally, physically and spiritually. God, I choose Your ways above my own, and ask that You open opportunities for me to pray for others, and open the door to Your healing power throughout my life, in Christ’ name! Amen.

November 10, 2020November 10, 2020

Attitude & Altitude

Have you heard “attitude determines altitude?” In other words, a positive, faith-filled attitude will cause you to rise higher in life, but a negative, self-critical attitude will only bring you down.

Our attitude affects the outcome during hard times. Are we going to treat people right even when we’re being mistreated? Are we going to stay full of joy even when the bottom falls out? So many people get all bent out of shape and start complaining when things don’t go their way, but that kind of attitude only closes the door to God’s miracle-working power.

Scripture says that faith is what pleases God. Understand that He’s trying to work in your life. He’s trying to get you prepared for a promotion, but you’ve got to stay on His side. You’ve got to stand strong and fight that good fight of faith!

Today, if you are going through a difficult time, I encourage you to keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Start thanking God for bringing you through to the other side. As you stand strong, I believe you’ll rise higher. I believe you’ll come out stronger and wiser, and you will continue moving forward in the abundant life God has for you!

“Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ.”(Philippians 2:5, TLB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I choose to have a positive, faith-filled attitude. Please keep me positive despite what life brings my way. Father, I choose to bless You and trust You even when things don’t make sense in my natural mind. God, help me to have the right attitude at all times. I know You have a purpose for my life and trust that You are working all things out for my good, in Christ’ name! Amen.

November 7, 2020November 7, 2020

Leap Of Faith: How Writing A Faith Journal Will Deepen Your Devotion

If you’ve never been in the habit of keeping a faith journal, you might think your meditative prayer and reading scripture has given you a strong spiritual life. But beginning your journaling journey can supplement your spiritual practices and make tangible much of the faith you’ve taken for granted. Staring a faith journal is a great way to track your daily prayers, the gratitude you feel for God’s gifts and offers new ways of exploring scripture. Take that leap of faith today.

1) Creative Prayer

A faith journal doesn’t have to be exclusively about writing. Color, shape and doodling – whatever takes your heart’s desire – can all have its place in your faith journal.

If your prayer is directed at someone special, it can feel exceptionally powerful to write their name and sketch a growing, colorful shape around it. Once their name appears on the page, glorified by color, you can write your prayer for them or simply think about it. But the prayer will have a physical manifestation that can strengthen it.

You can also sketch mandalas in a meditative way. These complex patterns of repeating shapes can be relaxing to sink into, and drawing and coloring them can become a form of prayer in itself. It’s your faith journal, so get creative!

2) Making Prayer Tangible

The time you spend in prayer each day forms a valuable foundation for your spiritual life and strengthens your connection with God. When this takes place in your mind it’s almost a meditative practice, and can often lead to a profound inner feeling.

Writing your prayers down can strengthen them further as the process of putting your thoughts into writing can make them more tangible. Through your faith journal you can pursue a closer connection to God, creating a concrete history of your prayers and devotion on any given day.

If you write in a stream-of-consciousness, letting the words flow out of you, you might be surprised at what you look down to read. New, deep ideas can turn up on the page without conscious effort. Alternatively, writing your prayers in bullet form can help you conceive of them more accurately and make them easier to review in the future.

3) Scripture Is Powerful On The Page

Strengthening your connection to scripture is a great way to explore your faith. We all have particular passages that speak to us, those that we come back to time and again to find peace in or contemplation amongst. Reading scripture is one thing, but journaling scripture can take your understanding of your favorite passages to another level.

Exploring the idea of a crossbook – a book that comes with printed scripture on one side of the page and a blank side opposite for your thoughts and notes – is a great way to begin your faith journal. You can underline and highlight the passages that speak to you on one side, while elaborating on how it deepens your devotion on the other. You’ll be on a path to wisdom and faith.

4) Track Your Holiest Behaviours

A faith journal can also function as a diary for all your holiest habits, letting you reflect on your past week or month and consider ways you can better manifest your faith in the future. You can record how many hours you spent volunteering, how your generosity manifested and how long you prayed for in your faith journal.

Having a record of these behaviours can make it easier to strengthen them as routine habits. All these practices have great spiritual value and your faith journal will encourage you to perform them more often.

5) Express Your Gratitude

There are many spiritual and psychological benefits to gratitude, yet if you don’t make an effort to express your gratitude it can often slip away without being recognized. Journaling gives you an example to record God’s gifts, ensuring that you value them for what they are.

Taking time out of each day to write down what God has brought you can make each day, no matter how hectic or stressful, seem a little brighter.

Amen

Keeping a faith journal has so many spiritual and psychological benefits and it’s sure to strengthen your relationship with God as well as developing a deeper understanding of his message. Get creative with your faith journal with colors, shapes and content. You’ll soon find out it’s a habit that’s hard to break.

Katherine Rundell is a spiritual writer at UKWritings.com and Academized.com services. She works with local church groups to inspire young people to explore their faith in new and creative ways. She is also a proofreader at Boomessays.com.

November 6, 2020November 6, 2020

Be A Dream Releaser Not A Dream Crusher

I spent the evening reflecting on the people God has placed in my life. They haven’t been placed there by accident. God brings people to us for a purpose. We should live with this awareness that, “I am here to add value to people. I am here to help them succeed.” Don’t go around always thinking, “I wonder what that person can do for me. I wonder what they have to offer.” No, we should have the attitude, “what can I do for them? How can I help them come up higher? Can I teach them something I know? Can I connect them with someone who can help them?”

Don’t make the mistake of going through life being ingrown. Instead, be a dream releaser. Use your talent, your influence and your experience, not just to accomplish your goals, but to help release a dream in someone else. There is nothing more rewarding than to lay down at night knowing that you helped someone else become better. You not only fulfilled your purpose for that day, you did your best.

Today send a quick text, tweet, or facebook post offering someone hope, or just make a two-minute phone call where you encourage someone, because when you live as a dream releaser, you’ll see your own dreams come alive too!

They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer.” – Genesis 37:19 (NRSV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me to be a blessing to others. Please Father, show me ways to be a dream releaser so that I may help others to rise higher. God, help me to use my influence to encourage others and honour You always, in Christ’ name! Amen.

November 6, 2020November 7, 2020

Overcoming Fears

There are times in our lives when the challenges we face are many. Whether there are things happening in your life or to the entirety of the world, fears can get the best of you. This can make anyone too scared to take chances and live their lives to the fullest.

Overcoming fears that are holding you back is challenging and cannot happen overnight. There are a few things you need to be able to include in your life in order for change to take place. Here are five simple tips to help you start dealing with the things that scare you and hold you back.

1. Have faith in change

One of the biggest things you need to keep in mind when trying to overcome fears is that change will take time. The fears you are facing have developed from experiences in your past, which have affected your life strongly. Trying to change the feelings these experiences have caused you is no easy matter.

Believing that you are able to change these around is the best way to start this journey. While it might take some time, change is bound to happen when there is will. Having faith in your ability to change will help you see things from a different perspective. Through this, you will manage to keep pushing yourself forward.

2. Focus on positive thoughts

Another thing that can help you come to terms with fear is focusing on the positive instead of the negative. Most of the time, being afraid of something will make you focus on everything that can go wrong. If you allow yourself to feel this way, it will be a lot more difficult for you to see things differently.

No matter what you go through and what you are afraid of, God is on your side. Instead of letting negativity impact your decisions and everyday life, have faith that something good will come out of a difficult situation. This way, you will be able to train your mind to focus on the positive outcomes and overcome the fear certain situations can cause.

3. Pray when you feel overwhelmed

The power of prayer is great and can help guide you when you feel scared and helpless. No matter what fear you are facing, praying about it can make it seem more simple and manageable. When you feel overwhelmed with emotions, taking a step back and thinking about it is important.

This is something that you can easily do through praying about a situation. During that time, you are talking about your fears and worries to God and asking for help and guidance. Praying when your fears overwhelm can help you see things clearly and get the reassurance that everything is going to be okay.

4. Discuss your fears with people that care

No matter what it is that scared you, talking about it with people that care about you is going to help you tremendously. Your family, your friends, and the members of your church are all people you can trust and ask for some of their time. Opening up about the things that scare you will make them a lot more manageable.

In addition to that, you will be able to see how someone else understands and perceives what exactly scares you. In certain cases, they will be able to relate to your fears. Other people will be able to break your fears down and help you see just why they should not hold you back.

5. Take some time off

If you find that certain fears are affecting your everyday life in a negative way, it might be necessary to take some time off. Something as simple as spending some time at home or going on a short trip can help you feel better very quickly.

It is possible that the fears you are dealing with are caused by stressful situations in your everyday life. Taking some time to reevaluate certain scenarios and situations will help you seek new ways to overcome them.

Facing your fears with the help of others

Facing your fears alone is a very difficult task. Having the help and support of other people in your church and your community is important. The best way to overcome situations and things that scare you is through finding your strength. God can provide you with a safe place where you can think about everything that scares you. This way, you will be able to think about them more logically and know that you will overcome every challenge that comes your way.

Bio:

Bridgette Hernandez is a professional writer and editor who works with websites such as TrustMyPaper and SupremeDissertations. Brid loves to educate her audience on the power of writing, and oftentimes creates blog content for platforms such as GrabMyEssay. In her spare time, she loves spending time with friends, cooking, and listening to audiobooks.

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

Hallelujah!

Scripture tells us that seeking wisdom and discretion brings life and is “an ornament of grace.” No matter what decisions you may be facing today, God wants to equip you and empower you to make the right choices. How do we seek wisdom and discretion? By making the Word of God a priority. The answer to every situation we face is addressed in God’s Word, either directly or by principle. When God’s Word is the final authority in your life, His grace will empower you to live victoriously.

Proverbs 3:23 – 26 goes on to say, “then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.” Hallelujah!

Today, I encourage you to put God’s Word first. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you study. Follow His commands and open the way for His grace to cover you. Let His grace empower you to dwell in safety and rest securely all the days of your life!

“Do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.” (Proverbs 3:21—22, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is life and health to me. Father, I submit myself to You knowing that You have good things in store for my future. God, thank You for the promises in Your Word. I will hide Your Word in my heart so that I can receive Your grace and walk in Your ways, in Christ’ name! Amen.

November 4, 2020November 4, 2020

Your Faith Will Meet Your Needs

Faith-based Methods For Overcoming Stress

Many people think that when they have a need, God will just automatically meet it – and He could. But Christ didn’t say, “According to your need be it done to you,” He said, “According to your faith.” That’s why it’s so important to always have an attitude of expectancy.

Remember, if we want God to move in our lives, we have to approach every day filled with faith and hope. How do we get this faith and hope? The Scripture tells us in Romans that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” The more you have the Word of God in your life, the more your faith will grow, and the more you will get through trials and see God working in your life.

Today, God longs to bless you, and He’s given you everything you need to be successful in life. Remember, all things are possible to those who believe! Believe in His goodness today and take a step of faith toward the life of blessing He has prepared for you, and see yourself walking through trials, difficulties and experiencing divine peace.

“According to your faith be it done to you.” (Matthew 9:29, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life today. I open my heart to You and trust that You have a good plan for me. Lord, I receive the twin gifts of faith and hope. God, give me a heart filled with expectancy and trust, that today You will meet all my needs and grant me peace, in Christ’ name! Amen.

November 3, 2020November 3, 2020

How To Change Bad Habits

What needs changing in your life? A bad habit, a bad attitude, or even negative, evil thoughts. You have to start by changing your mind. You have to change your thinking so that your thoughts are in line with God’s thoughts. When you make the decision to follow God in every area of your life, you open the door for His supernatural power to work.

I always say, your life will go in the direction of your thoughts. You can’t just allow any old thought or image to play in your mind. Nip it in the bud, you have to choose positive thoughts quickly.

Today, the easiest way to change your thoughts is by speaking God’s Word. When you say “mango,” you probably won’t start thinking about a banana. In the same way, when you confess the Word of God, which says you are more than a conqueror, you’re the head and not the tail, it will drive those negative, defeating thoughts away! Change your mind now by changing your words!

“Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2 AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahshua, today I choose to take captive every thought that is contrary to Your will. Father, I repent for anything in my mind and behaviour that displeases You. God, empower me today to saturate my mind with Your Word, by Your spirit, so that I can bring honour to You, and break my bad, negative habits, in Christ’ name! Amen.

November 2, 2020November 2, 2020

A Full Life

God wants you to live a full and satisfying life. He wants you to enjoy the fullness of the earth and all of life’s experiences. When you open your mind to new things and new situations, you are broadening your horizons and opening yourself to new opportunities.

We get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing the same way all the time. But when we open ourself to new people and new ideas, we are making room for God to reveal Himself to us. We are making room for Him to work in our life. Make the decision to explore something new this week. Take a different route home from work. Try something new on the menu at lunch.

Today, be open to new people who may not necessarily look like you, or act like you. Let God direct and broaden your horizons. As you do, you’ll encounter new opportunities and live the satisfied, full and complete life the Lord has in store for you!

“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness of it…” (Psalm 24:1, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I open my heart and mind to You today. Father, I ask that You help me broaden my perspective, so I can experience the full life You have for me, in Christ’ name! Amen.

October 30, 2020October 30, 2020

God Will Turn Things Around

Life is full of highs and lows, twists and turns, and ups and downs. But did you know that everything you’ve been through up until now is preparing you for what God is going to do with you and for you? No trial, challenge or difficulty you’ve been through has been wasted. Every disappointment, setback, every person that did you wrong, every lonely night, God is going to turn around and use for your good! Hallelujah!

Every difficulty helps us grow and mature. When our faith is stretched, our character is developed and made stronger. God didn’t send that hardship, but He’ll use it to get you prepared for your next step. Those adversities will mould you into the person you are called to be.

Today, you may be experiencing tough times, but remember, God is growing you, maturing you, and stretching your faith. Have the attitude that says, “This is a new day. Things are shifting for my good. This difficulty is not going to stop me. It’s going to elevate me. God is going to use it to lift me up and lead me into victory all the days of my life!”

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)

Let’s Pray Yahweh, thank You for delivering me through some hard trials. Father, I will always dwell in Your presence. I know that with You, no trial will defeat me and all things will work out for my good. God, I thank You for Your peace and protection as You carry me through the difficult places into the place of victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

October 29, 2020October 29, 2020

Christianity Isn’t Just About The Weekends

On a daily basis, there are things that come against us and distract us, and attempt to pull us away from Christ. That’s why every day we have to make the choice to follow Him. Sometimes it’s easy to think, “well, I go to church regularly,” or “I read my Bible.” The Christian life isn’t about how we live on the weekends, it’s how we live every single day. Are you spending time with God daily? Are you reaching out and putting others first? Are you sowing seeds to help those in need?

Today, if you know you need to make some adjustments in your daily walk with God, the good news is that you can start right now. Simply turn to Him and make the commitment to follow Him moment by moment. Let Him direct your steps and follow that inner prompting of the Holy Spirit. Make the choice every day to follow God’s will, and watch what He will do on your behalf!

“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’” (Luke 9:23, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for another day to serve and follow You. Father, search my heart and mind right now, and remove anything that would keep me from You. God, make me Your disciple, not just on the weekend but daily. I commit to set my mind on You daily, following Your steps and Your will, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

October 28, 2020October 28, 2020

It’s Time To Change Your Focus

Recently it’s been hard to get motivated and to stay focused. We all have those days when we don’t feel very enthusiastic. Maybe you don’t feel like you have any reason to be excited about your life. Today is the day to change your focus! It’s time to set your mind on things above.

Often, we settle for what we see in the natural – the earthly realm, but God has so much more for us in the supernatural realm. Whatever we choose to focus on is what we will see manifested in our lives. We need to daily set our focus on the goodness of God and keep hope alive.

Today, don’t give up on your dreams, feed your dreams. That means instead of dragging around finding every reason you can to be unhappy, your attitude should be: “I am not going to live my life defeated and depressed. I may have some obstacles in my path, but I know I have victory. I know God has great things in store for me, so I’m going to get up each day, starting today, anticipating the good things He has in store for me!”

“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I want to set my mind on You. I know that Your dream for me is so much bigger than my own. God, please help me be more spiritually motivated. Draw me close to You as I daily set my focus on You. Father, I bless You today and always. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

October 27, 2020October 27, 2020

What Are You Thinking?

When You Think of the Word Home, Does Jesus Come to Mind

Did you know that what you think affects your behaviour? Psychologists say “you are what you think.” Sometimes we need to just stop and think about what we are thinking about! The Bible tells us that what happens on the inside of us – our thoughts, attitudes and motives – are more important to God than what happens on the outside.

The Scripture reminds us that God is looking at our hearts. You can fool people all day long by saying the right things, but God wants our thoughts and attitudes to come into alignment with His Word, so that we can see His promises come to pass in our lives. Please understand, your life will follow the course you set with your mind.

Today, align your thoughts with God’s thoughts through meditating on His Word, and your life will follow. Jeremiah 29 tells us that His thoughts are for our good. His thoughts are for our peace. His thoughts are for our victory! Embrace His promises so that you can move forward into the life of victory He has prepared for you!

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, please change my thinking and help my thoughts line up with Your Word. Father, bring Your promises to my remembrance today as I meditate on You. Almighty God, I surrender every area of my life to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

October 26, 2020October 26, 2020

The Best Choice You Could Ever Make!

In one day we make thousands of choices. Some are greater and more important than others. Some require lots of thought and the input of others. Making Christ the Lord of your life is the best choice you could ever make! Hallelujah!

However, once you make the choice to surrender to God, you have the opportunity each day to make further choices that support that decision. For example, with your attitude, with your finances, with what you say, what you watch on TV, and what you listen to.

Today, if you haven’t made that choice to follow God, take a look at your life and realise how improved your life could be. For us who have already made that choice, let’s take time to examine our thoughts and actions. Choose this day to honour God in everything you do. As you submit your ways to Him, He promises to direct your steps and lead you in the abundant life here on earth and throughout eternity!

“…choose for yourselves this day whom will you serve…” (Joshua 24:15, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I choose You! Thank You for choosing me with all my sinful ways. Father, I pray for my friends who haven’t made that choice to serve You, that this will be their day of surrender. God, search my heart and mind and show me anything in my life that is displeasing to You. Help me to serve You with my whole heart, mind, will and emotions, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

October 23, 2020October 23, 2020

Are You Too Busy To Be A Blessing?

It’s easy to get so consumed with all the obligations we have on a daily basis. Zoom, mobile phones, computers, the internet have all made it so much easier to pack more into our days. And while technology is a great blessing to us, we have to remember that how much we get done, isn’t as important as how we treat others. At these uncertain times, we should never be so focused on ploughing through our “to do” list that we mistakenly plough past the people in our lives.

Today’s verse in Ephesians simply reminds us to be kind, compassionate and forgiving. If people had to be reminded back in those times, how much more do we need to be reminded today! We should always be on the lookout for ways we can be kind to one another, share a smile with someone or an encouraging word, maybe meet a need.

Today, as a believer, you are the hands and feet of Christ. Look for ways to serve one another, not only those you know, but even the stranger that crosses your path. Sow a seed of kindness, and watch the harvest of blessing in your own life in return!

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV)

Ler’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for another day to live for You. Father, help me during this time of lockdown and isolation to not be too busy to bless others. God, teach me creative ways to show kindness to the people You’ve put in my life. Lord, show me ways today that I can sow seeds and be a blessing to others. Almighty God, thank You for equipping me to be Your representative and live in victory in every area of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.